So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramothgilead.

1 KINGS 22:29KJV
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1 Kings 22:29 (KJV)

What does 1 Kings 22:29 mean?

1 Kings 22:29 tells us that the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, both set out together to go up to Ramoth-gilead. The verse simply reports their joint military movement toward this city.

This verse is part of a larger story where Ahab, the king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat, the king of Judah, form an alliance to fight against Aram (Syria) for control of Ramoth-gilead. The verse marks the moment when both kings act on their decision and begin their campaign, setting the stage for the events that follow in the chapter.

The Hebrew behind 1 Kings 22:29

  • מֶלֶךְ (melek, "king"): This word is used for both Ahab (king of Israel) and Jehoshaphat (king of Judah), highlighting their equal status as rulers in this alliance.
  • יִשְׂרָאֵל (Yisra'el, "Israel") and יְהוּדָה (Yehudah, "Judah"): These names make clear that the two kingdoms, usually separate and sometimes rivals, are cooperating here.
  • עָלָה (‘alah, "went up"): In Hebrew, "went up" often means traveling to a place of importance or higher elevation. Ramoth-gilead was both strategically important and located in the hill country.
  • רָמֹת גִּלְעָד (Ramoth-gil‘ad, "Ramoth-gilead"): This city was a key location east of the Jordan River, frequently contested in Israel’s history.

Why 1 Kings 22:29 matters

  • This verse shows a rare moment of unity between the northern kingdom (Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah), which were often at odds.
  • The straightforward statement sets up the tension for the rest of the chapter, where the consequences of this alliance and the outcome of the battle will unfold.
  • Noting the use of "went up" in Hebrew helps us see that this was not just a physical journey but also a significant political and military action.

Where else these words appear

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H7433 · used in 22 verses

  • Joshua 21:38 And out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs, to be a city of refuge for the slayer; and Mahanaim with her suburbs,
  • 1 Kings 22:20 And the LORD said, Who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramothgilead? And one said on this manner, and another said on that manner.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king's hand.

“Jehoshaphat” Hebrew H3092 · used in 75 verses

  • 2 Samuel 8:16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the host; and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder;
  • 2 Kings 3:7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, The king of Moab hath rebelled against me: wilt thou go with me against Moab to battle? And he said, I will go up: I am as thou art, my people as thy people, and my horses as thy horses.
  • 2 Chronicles 18:31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the king of Israel. Therefore they compassed about him to fight: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and the LORD helped him; and God moved them to depart from him.

“Ramothgilead” Hebrew H1568 · used in 123 verses

  • Genesis 31:21 So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
  • Judges 10:17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpeh.
  • 2 Kings 9:4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramothgilead.